Industry Outlook for Nutritionists Jobs – Employment for nutritionists jobs is expected to continue growing throughout the next few years.

As the public becomes more concerned with matters of healthcare and nutrition, it is anticipated that there will be additional openings in this field.

Duties

Many of the duties for dieticians and nutritionists involve meal planning.

Hospitals and nursing facilities may employ dieticians and nutritionists in order to supervise special meals for individuals with specific dietary needs such as persons with high cholesterol, blood pressure or diabetes.

In other cases, dieticians and nutritionists are utilized to help plan meals in order to prevent illness and help instill healthy eating habits.

Dietician and nutritionist positions may take different roles, even though many of the same functions are performed.

For example, an individual who is employed in a supervisory role may be required to insure that the meals planned meet the dietary restrictions and needs for patients and clients.

Other individuals may instead take on a counseling role and simply work with clients to help them determine how they can prepare their own meals, while still meeting their optimal dietary needs.

Some roles may also require the dietician or nutritionist to instruct clients on how to safely prepare food in regards to sanitation as well as how to shop wisely on a budget.

Work Environment for Nutritionists

Depending on the employer, dieticians and nutritionists may or may not work a regular 8 to 5 forty hour work week. In healthcare institutions, particularly hospitals, persons employed in the field of nutrition may be needed to work weekends and evenings as well as holidays.

Only a small number of dieticians and nutritionists are self-employed – most work for a healthcare institution or other healthcare related industry.

Salary

Nutritionists and dieticians tend to earn a fairly good salary and are also generally eligible for benefits such as healthcare, and paid sick and vacation time as well as retirement and pension benefits.

Employment Prospects for Nutritionists Jobs

The majority of all employment prospects for dieticians and nutritionists can be found in:

Hospitals

Clinics

Nursing facilities

Schools also may employ dieticians and nutritionists. Other avenues of employment for this field include correctional facilities and agencies that work with the elderly.

Job Search for Nutritionists Jobs

Dietician and nutrition positions are likely to be found in classified newspaper advertisements, job boards as well as through networking means. Depending on the employer, open positions may also be listed with employment and recruitment agencies.

Resumes for Nutritionists Jobs

A chronological or combination resume are the best types of resumes to use when applying for a position in the field of nutrition. Job applicants should focus on their education, experience and dedication to customer service.

Cover Letters for Nutritionists Jobs

Individuals who are interested in entering the field of nutrition should write cover letters that mention any special skills and certifications related to nutrition. In addition, the cover letter should mention how the job applicant learned of the position and briefly recap their resume in terms of education as well as length of experience.

Training & Qualifications for Nutritionists Jobs

At a minimum, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four year university is required to work as a dietician or nutritionist.

College programs focusing on the field of nutrition typically contain courses such as:

Biology

Chemistry

Anatomy

Strong mathematics

Nutrition

Economics as well as management courses

About 75% of the States require licensure for dieticians and nutritionists. Individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in nutrition should contact their State Board of Education to determine whether their state has any requirements regarding licensure, certification or registration.

Careers In Nutrition

There is room for advancement within the field of nutrition.

Individuals who obtain experience and/or who pursue graduate education may be eligible for management and supervisory positions.